Police investigate ATM break-in in Southwest Philadelphia

Police are investigating a brazen break-in attempt at an ATM in Southwest Philadelphia.

Crews were called just after 1:15 a.m. to the Wells Fargo ATM machine located in the 2900 block of Island Avenue in the Penrose Shopping Center.

The 911 call came in as a report of a fire. Beside the dents, it appears the machine suffered heat damage.

Police believe the suspects pried open one layer of the machine then possibly took a blow torch to try to get to the cash.

"I don't know how they thought they could get a blow torch to open that up," said David Tucker.

Some laughed at the criminal gaffe but it put others on edge.

"That's a good thing they didn't get any money but it's terrible, it's scary around here now," said Geralynn Brown.

Police believe the surveillance cameras were turned away during the crime , but the camera inside the ATM was rolling and police say the person responsible was caught on tape wearing a motorcycle helmet.

Just across the street on Lindbergh Boulevard several weeks ago, burglars got into a Rite Aid through the side door, taking off with cash and drugs.

According to police, with a piece of heavy equipment called a grinder they accessed the safe which held the prescription drugs. Pieces of the grinder were left behind.

In both cases two men were seen fleeing in a dark SUV. Police don't know if the cases are related.